Kurtis Marsh wins Clubman Award

19th September 2017

Kurtis Marsh has been presented with the Clubman Award at the Vikings End of Season Lunch today.

Marsh, who is the Academy Education Manager, has been tireless in his efforts to support the growth of the Vikings Academy and give back to the game that he loves.

Kurtis joined Widnes Vikings from UCLAN five years ago. Having enjoyed a successful period in community Rugby League, representing Great Britain Students in their tour of South Africa, he had a real drive to work within the professional game. Progressing from Widnes Vikings’ community coaching team to becoming an integral member of its Youth Performance Team, Kurtis has made a real difference to our Outstanding Academy.

As Academy Education Manager, Kurtis dedicates himself to ensuring that the Vikings young players gain education and qualifications that are vital to their progression as players and for their future after the game. He has achieved a Level 3 Coaching and Assessor qualifications, and is currently undertaking a PGCE to become a qualified teacher. The Vikings recently celebrated a 100% pass rate amongst players studying for the two-year BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport, which Kurtis oversees with Sts Peter and Paul Catholic College.

Kurtis is dedicated, consistent and conscientious. His commitment to going the extra mile is perhaps best demonstrated by the fact that he welcomed three Academy signings who were moving to Widnes from across the country, including Brad Walker, into his home for 12 months. This incredible gesture by Kurtis helped the young players settle into unfamiliar surroundings aged just 16, with all three players now going on to find careers in Rugby League.

Kurtis also has a genuine commitment to the community game. He volunteered at Widnes St Maries, helping the team out at a time when it was short of coaches, and was integral to the Vikings to delivering a touch rugby tournament that was assessed as being the most successful in the Northern Hemisphere.

Phil Finney, Widnes Vikings Head of Youth Performance, says: “I was delighted to hear that Kurtis had been selected for the Clubman Award. Throughout his time at the Vikings, Kurtis has shown the extraordinary dedication necessary to win an award of this significance – from opening his home up to young players moving to our town, to spending countless hours supporting the education and development of our players.

"Kurtis is dedicated to not only improving our young players, but himself too. I have been impressed by how he has started his teacher training qualification, alongside his work at the Vikings and other commitments. The drive that he has is a key element of the success of our Academy. On behalf of everyone at Widnes Vikings, I’d like to congratulate him on receiving this honour.”